Davis issues statement on Trump’s State of the Union address

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, released this statement after President Trump delivered his first State of the Union address:

“Tonight’s address echoed the growing optimism within our economy and many homes across America. Unemployment is at a 17-year low and optimism in the job market is the highest it’s been in 17 years. The President spoke about building on the first tax reform in 31 years that has already led to increased wages, bonuses, and employee investments for more than 2 million Americans and next month, bigger paychecks for 90 percent of workers because of tax reform. Companies like Chrysler have announced that they will be bringing jobs back to America. I stand ready to work with the president and my colleagues on both sides of aisle to pass legislation that will continue this spirit of American optimism.

“As someone who serves on the House agriculture and transportation committees, I believe this means investing in rural America as well. This year, I invited Jayson Werth to be my guest to President Trump’s first State of the Union address to highlight the importance of agriculture. Jayson owns an organic farm in Macoupin County, IL and has become an advocate for the industry and farmers. Earlier this month, President Trump became the first sitting president in 26 years to address the American Farm Bureau. This sent a strong signal not just to our farmers, but every person living in rural America that they are once again a national priority. The President touched on some of the issues critical to rural communities tonight, including bringing back good-paying manufacturing jobs to our small towns and improving workforce training opportunities to fill the jobs being created by this 21st century economy.

“The President committed to working with Republican and Democrat members of Congress to fix our crumbling infrastructure, rebuild our military, address the opioid crisis, strengthen trade enforcement, and work towards reforms at home and abroad that will keep Americans safe. While we will always have policy disagreements, all of us will be tested on our willingness to set the next election aside, find areas where we can agree, and get things done for the American people. If we can do that, I am optimistic this Congress and this president will be able to accomplish many more great things.”

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